and she was still dwelling on the words Dante used. She's mine. She had no idea what th

found. No goodbye, no nothing. Simply vanished

c, the phony laughter-everything weighed more. She didn't even

? I was looking everyw

releasing a small smile. "You look

sabella's arm and pulled her to a less populated ar

ighed. "I told Papa,

ofia's voice was shaking. "I'

es grew wide.

teo. He's not rich, not powerful. He's a manager at one

sister. "Sofia! A year?

g up in her eyes. "If Papa finds out, he'll

orcing you to marry Adrian because you're in

to," Sofia spoke under he

n a rush. "Papa will fetch you. And

hen help me. Please. You always gu

ne look at her sister's tearful eyes made it

ballroom was nearly empty. Isabella stayed awake in her room long after everyone went

r father in his office, sitting behind his desk with a cig

to talk," Isa

ng. "It's too early for

drama. Thi

last night. The decision has be

She won't. I'll marr

knitted. "What

ossing her arms. "Let Sofia live her life. Sh

d. "Love does not ex

forward. "You are always reminding me that I'm strong, that

hen he relaxed in his chair. "You can

lla said, though her gut

k his head. "No. You will not do this for

má

slapping his hand o

w and stormed out. She h

ed and leaned over to whisper something in Marco's ear. Marco stood up, readjusting

ear the door, far enough back so th

on for my family,

h what I want," another voice was hea

he brought he

Marco said. "He wants my daught

aid calmly. "I'll protect you. Bu

t co

," Dante

heart ski

arco's deep sigh. "You le

d a choice,"

y, not noticing footsteps unti

softly, worried. "Wha

attempting to hide her fear. "I

it drop. They went back to the living room

expression impassive. He stood in front

uncement," he d

ella's heart pounded, already kn

," Marco told them. "Sof

ef spreading acros

ank me. The engagement will be

a stood

oretti," Marco said to

red her mouth in shock, their mo

ained standing. She had wanted to prot